“Why Is My Baby So Gassy?” 4 Common Myths (and What Might Actually Be Going On)
If your newborn seems gassy, squirmy, or uncomfortable, you’re not alone.
Newborns are noisy little creatures, and when they squirm, grunt, or cry after feeds, it’s easy to assume something is wrong. But often? It’s just a very normal part of learning how to digest. Remember: this whole eating/digesting cycle is a new whole world for your baby!
Still, there's a lot of confusing advice out there - so let’s break down four of the most common gas-related myths, and what might actually be behind those toots and tummy troubles.
❌ Myth #1: “Gas means something is wrong.”
It’s easy to worry that gassiness = pain, food intolerance, or “something wrong” with your milk or your baby.
✅ Real Reason: Brand-new baby guts just need time.
Your baby’s digestive system is fresh out of the womb. It's still learning how to break down milk, move it through the intestines, and - yep - pass gas. Their little tummy muscles are still figuring out what to do with bubbles, which can lead to noise, wriggling, and full-body drama performances.
The good news? It's usually nothing to worry about and often improves with time, maturity, and a few good burps.
❌ Myth #2: “Cutting out dairy (or gluten, or broccoli, or joy) will fix it.”
You’ve probably heard this one: “Your baby’s gassy because of something you ate or because of the quality of your milk.” Cue the sad goodbye to cheese, bread, and your will to live.
✅ Real Reason: True allergies are rare and usually come with other symptoms.
Unless your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) or a sensitivity confirmed by a provider, restrictive dieting is rarely necessary.
Most of the time, these symptoms are due to:
Overactive letdown
Oversupply
Swallowed air
Normal development
Cutting foods without a clear reason can leave parents feeling guilty, confused, and nutritionally depleted. (We love a burrito with cheese around here, okay?)
❌ Myth #3: “Just grab the gripe water or gas drops - it’ll fix it.”
We love a good solution, but sometimes these “fixes” don’t actually fix anything. Some can even add to baby’s discomfort, contain ingredients not recommended for newborns or mask hunger cues (especially in the early days when your baby’s tummy is itty bitty!).
✅ Real Reason: The root cause matters more than a quick fix.
Gas drops and gripe water might temporarily help some babies, but they don’t address why the gas is happening in the first place. And if you’re using them regularly with no change? It’s probably not the answer.
Instead, we recommend:
Frequent burping during and after feeds
Trying laid-back or side-lying positions
Watching baby’s latch or bottle technique
Getting guidance from a pro when needed
❌ Myth #4: “Gas is from something you did ‘wrong.’”
Maybe it’s that prenatal vitamin from 3 months ago… or the fact that you didn’t bicycle baby’s legs counterclockwise. Listen, we’ve heard it all.
✅ Real Reason: Sometimes feeding mechanics need a second look.
Some babies have body tension or oral restrictions, such as a tongue or lip ties that can affect how they feed and how much air they swallow. Others may just need a tweak in feeding position or pacing.
The best part? You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team works alongside IBCLCs, pediatric dentists, and feeding experts to spot those red flags early and get families the referrals they need.
💛 The Bottom Line?
Gassy babies are usually normal babies. The key is knowing what’s typical, what’s worth exploring, and when to call in support.
At Oh Baby! KC, we’re here to help you:
Understand your baby’s cues
Feel confident in your feeding choices
And yes… finally get a burp out without Googling for an hour.